All‐Metal Oxide Transparent Photovoltaic for High‐Speed Binary UV Communication Window

Abstract

Optoelectronic devices that are self‐powered and have a high transparency are of interest for application in versatile next‐generation “see‐through” platforms. However, current optoelectronic photodetectors often have drawbacks including a high driving power and a relatively slow response speed. In this work, large‐area transparent photovoltaic devices (TPVD) are reported that can be easily prepared at room temperature from eco‐friendly and abundant materials. The TPVD consists of a zinc oxide/nickel oxide heterostructure as the light‐harvester and ultraviolet (UV) blocker, and its photovoltaic performance is evaluated using silver nanowire (AgNW) electrodes composed of NWs with varying diameters. As a result of surface plasmons in the AgNW electrode, TPVDs with AgNWs that have a larger diameter exhibit enhanced transparency and photovoltaic performance, with a photovoltage of 520 mV under standard AM1.5 light illumination. Importantly, the binary electric signal produced can be decoded without the need for electronic filter circuits or a threshold. A UV communication system is further designed based on the TPVD for application as a self‐powered, binary Morse‐code signal with a high response speed. This work integrates the features of a transparent power generator and transparent optoelectronics into a UV photodetector, and it can enable the application of self‐reliant devices for communications, imaging, and sensors.

Transparent Photovoltaics for Self‐Powered Devices and Memories

“…This device detected encrypted UV signal that carried the optical information of ‘PEDAL’ in 21 μs. [ 84 ] The photoresponse from PPDs was then decoded to obtain the invisible information (Figure 10f). Having a UV‐based communication system would be advantageous with unique features of anti‐interference, invisible communication, high confidentiality, and anti‐interception.…”

Self-Powered Ultraviolet–Visible Transparent Photodetector Based on Mo-Doped BiVO4 Thin Films

“…Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) photodetectors (PDs) are the backbone of modern optoelectronic devices, which convert light energy into an electrical signal. UV–vis PDs are essential for wide-spectrum detection and optical communication, biomedical imaging, military defense systems, and flame detection. − Conventionally, PDs depend on an external power supply, which limits their application in reality. − In this context, self-powered UV–vis broadband PDs are drawing huge attention in the research field due to their wide range of self-powered detection, lower energy consumption, and easy integrability into optoelectronic devices. − However, most of the developed self-powered PDs are opaque in the visible light, which deters their wide application in daily life. To overcome this problem, the fabrication of self-powered transparent PDs (TPDs) is necessary, which are also essential for see-through optoelectronic devices. − …”

Flexible and Transparent Photovoltaic‐Based Broadband Photocommunication Window

“…[19] Patel et al developed ZnO/NiO-based TPV by physical vapor deposition and verified its feasibility as a photocommunication window. [27] Bao et al developed a CsPbI x Br 3−x perovskite-based photodetector for applications of optical communication. [28] The photodetector had a limit of detection of 21.5 pW cm −2 and a fast response time of 20 ns but lacked flexibility and transparency.…”